Gardening help and resources

Master Gardener volunteers are easy to access and here to help. You can find us on social media, come visit us in person at our various plant clinics, or submit your questions to us online. Come to one of our events and learn along with us. In addition, we've gathered some of the most used and sought after sources of information for gardeners in the Portland metropolitan area.

Ask a Master Gardener!

Master Gardeners answer your gardening and pest management questions to help you make informed decisions.

Call us: 503-821-1115 and leave a voice message along with the best times to return your call. We do our best to respond within 48 hours.
Use our web form to submit your questions. Include any applicable photos.

Ask us online!

Photo: OSU Extension (Cropped from original)

Research your plant and insect questions

We've found the following resources to be the most referenced sources of information for gardeners in the Portland metropolitan area.

What's your lawn style?

Whether you dread lawn care or you are a lawn enthusiast, we’ve got free tips for a safe and healthy lawn from turf experts.

Weston Miller | Sep 2024 | Collection

10-Minute University: Short classes on essential gardening information (in English)

Explore over 75 handouts and instructional videos on topics including general gardening, climate resiliency, berries, fruit trees, raised beds, ornamental plants, soil, edibles, insects and pests, lawns, trees, irrigation, pruning and tools, native plants and guest lectures. Developed by Clackamas County Master Gardeners, these easy-to-understand resources are all a part of the award-winning 10-Minute University program.

Sep 2024 | Online resource

Garden Future

What's the future of gardening in Oregon? Changes in climate are impacting gardening. We're talking about it and gathering solutions to support gardeners now and into the future. Learn how Oregon gardeners are experiencing climate...

LeAnn Locher, Brooke Edmunds, Erica Chernoh, Megan Wickersham, Amy Jo Detweiler, Signe Danler, Amanda Woodlee, Heather Stoven, Grace Florjancic, Shannon Rauter, Sarah West, Srijana Shrestha, Otillia Schreuder, Amy Espinoza, Marcia McIntyre, Kendal Johnson | Project

Portland rain garden example (in English)

Take a guided tour through a rain garden to see the variety of ornamental and edible plants that do well in the flooded and dry areas. Learn how this type of landscape reduces rainwater runoff at your home.

Robert Emanual | May 2024 | Video

Monthly Garden Calendars

Are you wondering what to do in your garden this month? The OSU Extension garden calendar contains timely monthly garden tips including information about garden planning, maintenance and clean up, pest monitoring and management, houseplants, and indoor gardening.

See the calendars

Photo: Megan Wickersham (Cropped from original)

Request a Master Gardener presentation

Are you interested in having OSU Master Gardeners present gardening education at your event? Based upon volunteer availability, Master Gardeners speak to community groups and/or lead hands-on classes for a wide variety of horticulture subjects.

Master Gardeners are trained by OSU faculty and horticulture experts and gardening information presented is research-based.
Master Gardeners make presentations to libraries, civic groups, neighborhood associations, garden clubs, educational organizations, and at community events.
Depending on group needs, program formats can include slideshow presentations, demonstrations, hands-on learning, or virtual presentations.

Please make requests at least 8 weeks in advance of your requested presentation date and that your audience includes a minimum of 15 people. There is no charge for this service. Honorariums, however, are gratefully accepted for the “OSU Extension Service metro area Master Gardener Program” in support of our community outreach.

Request a presentation

Agripreneur instructor Maud Powell (with book) talks about weeds in the OSU SOREC demonstration garden. Central Point, Oregon.

Credit: Lynn Ketchum

Dig deeper into gardening education at OSU

We offer a broad range of opportunities to expand your gardening knowledge, from online courses and program, to free webinars.

Explore additional education

¿Tienes una pregunta? ¡Pregúntale a Extensión!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Metro Area Master Gardener